Gilas Pilipinas: Andray Blatche officially denied, Alapag and Douthit set as replacements
High hopes are gone for the Gilas Pilipinas. Andrew Blatche will not be playing for the Asian Games as he was ruled out by the Olympic Council of Asia OCA Thursday, September 11.
OCA stood firm on its previous decision that Blatche was ineligible because of not having at least three-year residency in the Philippines. The OCA official said the only way they can certify Blatche’s eligibility is if the Philippines can prove that the NBA player has stayed in the Philippines for the past 3 years.
Just finished mtg w Jimmy Alamat, er @JAlapag3 . 2 words - "I'm in." pic.twitter.com/2lbRc2AEuc
— Chot Reyes (@coachot) September 11, 2014
Meanwhile, the soft side of OCA allowed Marcus Douthit and Jimmy Alapag as the replacement of Blatche or any injured player of Gilas. Because of the great performances of Alapag in the FIBA World Cup, coach Chot Reyes had reached out on him to play for Gilas.
Just got final word from Incheon that Blatche is out. What a shame. Gotta get @DouthitMarcus in game shape, pronto! #LabanPilipinasPuso
— Chot Reyes (@coachot) September 11, 2014
Blatche played significantly great with the Gilas players in the 2014 World Cup. He may have been denied to play for the Asian Games, Douthit might be a good fit as his replacement.
By letting Alapag to play for the Philippine team, who will he replace?
